The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) marked its 43rd Anniversary on March 17, 2025, under the theme: “Building a Healthier and Wealthier Future: Advancing Research Utilization for Greater Impact.” The celebration highlighted the Council’s enduring commitment to bridging health research to real-world applications to make life better for the Filipino.

With policy frameworks in place such as the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, the Philippine health research sector continues to face challenges in translating research findings into practical applications. The event brought together experts who emphasized the need for strategic leadership, demand-driven research, and openness to innovation in overcoming these challenges.

Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Senior Research Fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government, underscored the critical role of effective leadership in driving research utilization. “The skill of research translation is notably lacking among many leaders in the Philippines,” he said, stressing that leaders must go beyond academic publication to measure success by the tangible benefits research brings to policies and well-being. Harnessing diverse communication channels, including social media, was also emphasized as an effective strategy for making research findings accessible and actionable for a wider audience.

An ongoing issue in research utilization is the disconnect between research efforts and users’ needs. According to Dr. Hartigan-Go, research should be demand-generated. Users should raise research questions based on existential needs. Ensuring that research addresses genuine concerns requires mechanisms encouraging stakeholders, whether from government agencies, private sectors, or local communities, to participate in setting research priorities. Aligning research efforts with real-world concerns ensures that findings are relevant and serve intended purposes.

The cautious nature of the health sector can discourage innovation, but embracing new ideas is necessary for national development. Dr. Hartigan-Go also highlighted the importance of balancing risks and benefits.  “If the health sector remains unwilling to adopt new technologies due to perceived risks, then progress will always be limited,” he noted. For example, expanding telemedicine and exploring remote diagnostics can improve healthcare access for underserved communities. Also, leveraging big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance disease surveillance, resource allocation, and decision-making. Adopting innovative technologies requires openness to new ideas and adapting to evolving methods.

Addressing the recurring issue of research utilization calls for sustained and coordinated efforts. Strong leadership, demand generation, and openness to innovation must work together to transform research findings into practical benefits. As Dr. Hartigan-Go stated, “Utilization is not automatic, but rather it must be deliberately built, systematically pursued, and strategically led.” Creating a system where research findings genuinely contribute to societal well-being requires intention and commitment.